Iron Cupboards... HowTo Buy guide.

We recently visited Kalbadevi Cupboard stores to procure iron cupboards. Use wood was not my type. Considering we have termite infestation in the building.

The strategy was supposedly simple.

1) Identify the guage (16/18, 18/20, 20/22) Pls note, the 1st set of digits before / are for outer door (which is lower number signifying heavier sheet in use. The second set of digits after the / signiy the sheet (which is higher number indicating thinner sheet in use) for interiors of the cupboard (i.e shelves, drawers, the lock-n-key vault)

Traditionally, people have tended to secure the heaviest cupboard that they can buy. We too were of the same old tradition, we wanted to buy 16/18 guage. But then the owner at the "Venus" store suggested, people now dont buy cupboards for storing valuables, its just a cupboard for clothes. Gone are the days when cupboard was valued as a safe. Also, 16/18 being heavier will also be more expensive. Such an expenditure is not warranted. There was clearly a 30% mark up on the price over the 2nd heavier option 18/20.

The owner, also strongly (and surprisingly) recommended opting 18/20. He said, anything below that is way too light and wont last long. We were surprised to hear such an advice. After all for him there was money to be made in the sale. Yet he suggested what was right.

So the 1st parameter was secured: 18/20 it was

2) Width of the cupboard The standard out of the box as it might dimension for width is 36" (3feet). There were on display 40" cupboards and they felt significantly more spacious. We worked out our wall dimensions and said 40" will fit fine. So 40" it was. So yes, our cupboard will be custom made :-)

3) Layout of the cupbaord. Specifically (the number of drawers) It seems, the number of drawers (one v/s two) alter the price. All cupboard have a lock-n-key vault and 3 shelves.

4) The Handle on the main door. Two varitions : Traditional swing to open v/s Click locks The price for Click lock is significantly higher. We felt Click lock to feel more stylish, kind of making a fashion statement. So opted for it

5) Additional Shelves Ofcours the half shelves cost extra , just as the full shelves do. We wanted half and full shelves. So those were added in.

6) Round off the costs, negotiate a discount and the deal is sealed.

Delivery to door step till ground floor is free, If elevators cannot be used, Every level on the building that the Porters will have to lift the cupboard costs extra.

Overall, despite my initial thoughts, that the visit would be relatively simple turned out to be quite an exercise. I hope this helps someone in their pursuit. Happy cupboard hunting.